The German Shepherd Boxer mix isn’t necessarily a dog for everyone, because of their very high energy levels and exercise requirements. However, they are particularly good dogs for those with children or other animals, as they’re very friendly animals!
Photo credit: missraya
German Shepherd Boxer Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 65–95 pounds |
| Height: | 23–27 inches tall |
| Lifespan: | 9–11 years |
| Coat colours: | Tan, black, white. |
| Temperament: | Highly intelligent, energetic, loyal, affectionate. |
| Suitable for: | Active Families or Couples willing to spend time training. |
What Does a German Shepherd Boxer Mix Look Like?
One word to describe a German Shepherd Boxer mix is: striking. These dogs typically have a short coat that is dense and thick, with a longer body like that of the German Shepherd with a straight tail. Their eyes will be a deep brown and they can either have a longer or shorter snout, depending on the dominant physical gene carrier.
Photo: @_missraya
The History of the German Shepherd Boxer Mix
The Boxer Shepherd hybrid is a particularly new type of hybrid dog, so its history is largely unknown – however, along with most other hybrid dogs, it was likely created sometime in the last twenty or thirty years – as the popularity of hybrid dogs exploded in the 1990s. However, what we can glean from the history of the two parent breeds is that their creators were likely trying to blend the speed and agility of the German Shepherd, with the guardian-type nature of the Boxer.
German Shepherd History
The German Shepherd is a farm-based working dog that heralds from… you guessed it, Germany. Created by Max von Stephanitz in 1899, the breed was developed from various German herding dogs and was used by von Stephanitz and others as sheep herding throughout the 20th century.
Today, alongside being a popular family pet for its discipline and loving nature – it has also been used in police work, in the military, in search and rescue fields and as a disability assistance dog.
How Popular Are German Shepherds?
German Shepherds are one of the United States’ most popular dog breeds. They ranked fourth last year in the American Kennel Club’s 2021 rankings.
Who Are German Shepherds a Good Dog For?
Given their highly energetic nature, German Shepherds are great breeds for those who like to get outside and be active in the outdoors. German Shepherds require plenty of activity each day and thus are suitable for couples with or without children, or single individuals. Though, they may not be so suitable for the elderly, due to the needed level of daily activity.
How Did German Shepherds Come About?
German Shepherds were the creation of Max von Stephanitz, a former German cavalry Captain, who created the breed at the turn of the 20th century, in 1899. He was looking for a working farm dog and found that the German Shepherd was the ticket!
When Did First Cross-Breed German Shepherds?
The history of crossbreeding German Shepherds is likely a long one, given that the breed itself is over a century old. However, the actual historical record is relatively non-existent. Though, nowadays, the German Shepherd is a popular cross with many other dogs, including the Golden Shepherd (Golden Retriever/Shepherd), Siberian Shepherd (Siberian Husky/Shepherd) and the Shollie (German Shepherd/Collie).
Boxer History
The history of the Boxers begins in the 19th century in Germany, when they were created by crossing various types of Mastiffs. They were then known as “Bullenbeisser” or “bull baiting” dogs and were used in various sports, and as hunting companions, known for their speed and immense power.
How Popular Are Boxers?
Boxers, unlike their fellow short-statured companions Pitbulls, are fairly common across the US and are legal in all 52 states. They currently rank 14th in the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dogs.
Who Are Boxers A Good Dog For?
Because of their immense power and speed, Boxers aren’t great dogs for everyone. Single individuals and couples with families are fine, though households with grown children are preferred. Unfortunately, the Boxer’s size and weight don’t make them great fits for the elderly.
How Did Boxers Come About?
Boxers were originally bred in Germany in the 19th century as ‘bull baiting’ dogs.
When Did First Cross-Breed Boxers?
The history of cross-breeding of the Boxer is a tricky one to pin down, as not much has been recorded to date concerning its cross-breeding history. However, many of the most popular breeds in the United States began to be cross-bred as of the 1960s, and popularity has really exploded in the last 20-30 years. So, we can surmise that the Boxer was crossbred during that time frame.
What is the Temperament of the German Shepherd Boxer Mix?
In general, the German Shepherd Boxer mix is an energetic, happy-go-lucky, loyal and loving guardian of the household. While not aggressive, it can be standoffish to strangers, though is friendly with them and other dogs once it has warmed up to them!
Are German Shepherd Boxer Mixes Friendly?
In general, German Shepherd Boxer mixes are very friendly animals to other humans and other dogs.
Are German Shepherd Boxer Mixes Easy to Train?
Both the German Shepherd and Boxer have a history of being used in situations that required obediency, so you can anticipate that they’ll be easier to train than other breeds, despite their somewhat stubborn nature.
How Much Can German Shepherd Boxer Mixes Weigh?
In general, you can expect your German Shepherd Boxer mix to weigh between 65 and 95 pounds.
How Tall Can German Shepherd Boxer Mixes Get?
German Shepherd Boxer mixes typically reach between 23 and 27 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
There is a multitude of similar-sized dog breeds to the German Shepherd Boxer mix. They include the Shar Pei, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Spanish Mastiff and many more!
Does a German Shepherd Boxer Mix Shed?
Expect the German Shepherd Boxer mix to be a moderate to heavy shedder throughout the year. While it doesn’t have the double coat to worry about, it will leave significant amounts of hair behind on almost any fabric surface. Be sure to regularly brush your German Shepherd Boxer mix to avoid fur build-up!
How Much Exercise Does a German Shepherd Boxer Mix Need?
A German Shepherd Boxer mix is a fairly energetic dog and therefore should be walked regularly, for around 30-45 minutes per day, with longer ‘off-leash’ time on the weekends to allow it to really stretch its legs.
How Long Does a German Shepherd Boxer Mix Live?
The lifespan of the German Shepherd is between 9-13 years, while the Boxer is between 10-12 years.
Therefore we can assume the life expectancy of the German Shepherd Boxer Mix is anywhere between 9-11 years.
Like with any dog, there are a number of factors that will determine the number of years your specific German Shepherd Boxer mix lives like diet and exercise.
What Health Conditions Could the German Shepherd Boxer Mix Have?
How Can You Find a German Shepherd Boxer Mix For Sale?
We recommend that before you consider purchasing a German Shepherd Boxer mix, you first consider adopting one instead! There are plenty of adoption resources out there, from your local veterinarians to your local animal shelters.
There’s also the online option of https://www.petfinder.com/, where you can search your local area to see if you can find a German Shepherd/Boxer mix!
How Much Does a German Shepherd Boxer Mix Cost?
The average cost of adopting a German Shepherd/Boxer mix is around $750 for a puppy. If you are looking for a reputable breeder, be sure to check out the American Kennel Club’s guidance on finding a reputable breeder!
Is the German Shepherd Boxer Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’re looking for an adorable, energetic and outgoing dog with a protective instinct, to become a member of your family home, then look no further than the German Shepherd Boxer mix. This breed is perfect as both a family pet and a working dog, so if you want to bring it with you on small-game hunts, you can – it can curl up with the kids by the fire of an evening.
Only you can know if the German Shepherd Boxer is the right mixed-breed dog for you, but we hope our guide has offered you some insight into the breed and help you make the best decision possible.